[Review] The Idea of You movie 2024
The Idea of You 2024 As the winds of change blow through Hollywood, it seems the nostalgic wave of simple romantic comedies (rom-coms) is making a small but significant comeback. Leading this resurgence is the charming Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway, who initially rose to fame with rom-coms like ‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001). She returns with a new romantic comedy, ‘The Idea of You’.
This film, adapted from Robinne Lee’s 2017 novel of the same name, sees Hathaway not only starring but also producing. Directed by Michael Showalter, known for the miniseries ‘The Dropout’ (2022) and ‘The Big Sick’ (2017), and adapted by Jennifer Westfeldt, ‘The Idea of You’ promises to deliver a modern twist on the rom-com genre.
The Idea of You movie and Anne Hathaway’s Comeback
‘The Idea of You‘ follows Solène Marchand (Anne Hathaway), a beautiful nearly 40-year-old woman who runs an art gallery for local artists in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. Solène is also a single mother to her teenage daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin), who is 16 years old. Solène plans a solo camping trip to celebrate her upcoming 40th birthday. Meanwhile, Izzy and her friends are planning to attend the Coachella music festival with her father, Daniel (Reid Scott), who is also Solène’s ex-husband. Circumstances lead Solène to join them on the trip, where fate introduces her to Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), a 24-year-old member of the famous boy band August Moon. This chance encounter brings unexpected romance and chaos into Solène’s life, as the pressures of fame challenge their relationship.
The plot inevitably draws comparisons to the 1999 classic ‘Notting Hill’, with its tale of love crossing social boundaries – this time, flipping the genders. ‘The Idea of You’ embodies the spirit of a modern rom-com, infused with elements of fandom culture, idol worship, and the dynamics of being a fan of a specific band member. While the film might not delve deeply into these aspects, it presents a well-rounded view of the fan culture.
As a formulaic rom-com, it delivers the expected feel-good moments. However, some might find the first two acts overly dreamy and interspersed with mildly erotic scenes that might seem to drag the plot. Despite this, the film does not solely focus on creating magical rom-com moments or selling the fantasy of love. Instead, it explores the human backgrounds of the characters, their conversations, humor, and natural situations, making the story relatable.
The real charm of ‘The Idea of You 2024‘ lies in its attempt to humanize both Solène and Hayes. Solène, a successful woman with trust issues, and Hayes, a handsome superstar protecting his reputation, are portrayed as vulnerable human beings. Their interactions and obstacles reflect the reality that love is not just about two people but involves the scrutiny and opinions of society, media, and social media.
The film cautiously addresses drama and conflicts, particularly the challenges that come with fame and the public’s harsh judgments. Solène’s journey as a single mother and a successful woman facing societal stigma adds depth to her character, portraying the difficulties of being under public scrutiny.
Anne Hathaway’s performance is predictably captivating, as she continues to enchant audiences with her charm and acting prowess. Nicholas Galitzine, familiar with the rom-com genre from ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ (2023), shares a compelling chemistry with Hathaway, making their on-screen romance believable.
Though the overall plot of ‘The Idea of You review‘ follows a predictable rom-com trajectory, it stands out with its thoughtful inclusion of themes about life, love, and maintaining relationships. The film offers more than just a love story; it provides insights into the complexities of human connections and societal pressures. And if nothing else, watching the delightful chemistry between the leads makes it a heartwarming experience.
The Idea of You | Official Trailer
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